September 10, 2011

How to Make Flying Geese Blocks

One of my favorite things about quilting is that there are so many different ways to accomplish the same thing. It's fun to experiment with different techniques to find a method that works best for you.

This post will show you one of the many techniques available to make a flying geese block. This method will yield four flying geese that measure 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" (1" x 2" finished size).

Step 1: Begin by cutting:

(4) 2 1/4" squares for the flying geese background

(1) 3 3/4" square for the flying geese

Step 2: Draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of the (4) 2 1/2" squares. My favorite method for speeding up this process, especially if I need to mark many squares, is to line up the points of the squares along a line on my cutting mat.

﻿Now I position my acrylic ruler over the squares, lining up the edge of the ruler with the line running through the center of the squares. Draw a line with your favorite marking tool. Pictured is the Clover Chaco-Liner. The barrel is filled with powdered chalk that is dispensed as you roll the wheel of the pen along your fabric.

Step 3: Position one of the 2 1/4" squares right sides together on the corner of the 3 3/4" square.

Step 4: Position another 2 1/4" square on the opposite corner of the 3 1/4" square, overlapping the 2 1/4" squares in the center. Pin each square to hold it in place.

Step 5: Sew 1/4" from each side of the drawn lines.

Step 6: Cut block apart on the drawn line.

Step 7: Press the seams towards the small triangles. The unit will now look a little bit like a heart. I know this looks a little strange - but hang in there - it really works!

Step 8: Position a 2 1/4" square right sides together with the heart shaped units. Pay careful attention to the direction of the drawn line.

Step 9: Stitch on each side of the drawn line. (I've enhanced the stitching lines on my photo just so that you can see them better).

Step 10: Cut the units apart on the drawn line.

Step 11: Press towards the smaller triangle. Now your flying geese unit should look a little more familiar to you.

Step 12: Square up each flying geese unit to 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". Here is a video to show you how:

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Thanks for stopping by Prairie Ramblings. This is my little home on the net to ramble on about all sorts of creative pursuits. I'm the owner of Prairie Point Junction Quilt Shop, home of Wool Felt Central. In addition to quilt making, I also love to design patterns, scrapbook both with paper and digitally, and spend way too much time hopping around blog-land for inspiration.

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